Freedom Blvd: The JR ProjectHonoring Law enforcement in Black History 2014 who has made a differenceThe final week of Black History Month, an event hosted by Jimmy Richardson at the Charles Danforth Library plays tribute to African-Americans who have contributed to law enforcement and honors those in the community to have demonstrated humanitarian efforts for the City of Paterson. | The opening speaker for the ceremony given by Mayor Jeffery Jones began with welcoming the honorees with gratitude and appreciation for their contributions to Paterson. "Today we honor those who committed themselves differently and we appreciate you," Jones said. Following Jeffery's remarks, other household names spoke on the behalf of the ceremony including Sheriff Berdnick, Councilman Andre Sayegh and Councilwoman Ruby Cotton congratulating those who were presented with the 2014 Black History Month Honoree Mayor's Award. Preparing for the Guest Speaker, Richardson gave a | grand introduction to Rabbi Israel Dresdner who began his speech with the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. " He was an amazing human being--not arrogant, but kind and considerate," Rabbi Dresdner said addressing the people. He reminisced about the last address that Dr. King gave in Paterson before he was murdered one week later. Rabbi Dresdner continued with stories of the past to show how Black history played a role in the development of the City of Paterson. The final closing ended with the benediction given and blessings by Gale Richardson who prayed over all the people who were in attendance supporting all the honorees of Paterson, NJ who continues to make a difference. |
Photos from February 23 Freedom Blvd Event
Pasta at the rock by Kathy Norton
Lately, my taste buds have been really put to the test. How, you ask? I'm eating at gatherings at Solid Rock Baptist Church. The Pastor Care Ministry held a Pasta Praise event Friday, March 21st. All different kinds of pasta were served. There was spaghetti with meatballs, lasagna, and pasta salads along with refreshing raspberry iced tea. The dinner was followed by background gospel music, and of course, friendly conversation. Recently, I was aware something "fishy" was going on. You guessed it! Another Friday, they sponsored a fish fry. Sorry, Solid Rock this lady is all filled up. |
First Ever African-American Woman Candidate Runs for Mayor By Kathy Norton and Nicole Richardson
What started off as a gloomy day at Jacksonville’s restaurant in Paterson, NJ, on March 29th ended up being a successful fundraising breakfast event hosted by Donna Nelson-Ivy. The event brought forth a lot of supporters who positively reinforced the belief that she will be the next mayor of Paterson, NJ. Some Paterson residents are disgruntled with the current mayor Jeffery Jones and are looking for a positive change. The biggest complaints came during the snow storm when the city was crippled by lack of preparedness for inclement weather. Currently, there are numerous potholes which have not been repaired and effect all Paterson motorists. | Founder of the Passaic County African American Women 100 Plus organization, Dr. Jessie M. Dixon who was in attendance in red said, “Donna Nelson-Ivy is a good candidate because she knows the city and loves the people. She is concerned about the way the city is being run and I think it’s a plus.” Donna Nelson-Ivy currently serves as the director of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is the second largest department in the city. She advocates improving the quality of life for the residents. "I care about the residents," Nelson-Ivy told Silk City Love magazine. "I am not a politician...and I will make myself accessible to the people." | When asked if she thought her influence can overcome current hurdles she stated that there is a million dollar deficit and once elected mayor, she will work to build relationships with Trenton, city council and the citizens. Nelson-Ivy believes the city is in trouble and with her skills, she can offer her organization and management expertise to effectively put systems in place that has not been there before. May 2014, Nelson-Ivy encourages voters to come out and show support. "When voters come and see, " she said excitedly, "this sister got 10,000 votes, how did it happen? It's all about God and timing. |